Although Polk County’s interests over the years have branched out to development, tourism, and technology, its agricultural roots run deep and wide. Farmlands, citrus groves, ranching and aquaculture still underlie the foundation of Polk’s economy, and now there is a university program to support these interests.

Warner University in Lake Wales will offer a degree in agricultural studies, officially starting in the fall of 2013. The school is taking applications for the program now, however. According to Lauren Lewis, the program’s director, ag students will begin in the general studies program of Warner University in preparation for course work in agricultural studies which begin with the sophomore year.